Strength-Based Teaching Strategies

1) Recognizing the Strengths of Students

An educator needs to identify the strengths and needs of their students. One way to find
out this information is to create a profile for each student based on their strengths. This
assessment can be performed in several ways, but one way is to make a chart with
comments such as I study for tests diligently. The student can then choose from a
variable of answers ranging from Never to Always. This will give the educator a
reference on how each takes tests, student studies, takes notes, listens, and whatever
else the educator needs to know about the student's strengths.
2) Identifying the Struggling Students Strengths
In a classroom, there is a bell curve of aptitude on how each student performs in class.
Some students thrive, some students do well a lot of the time and struggle a few times,
and there are some that may consistently struggle. It is important to identify the
strengths of the struggling student. For example, if a student is great at drawing, then
the teacher can relate their material to drawing to better relate the material to the
student. These strengths can be used to enhance and augment the performance of the
student allowing them to potentially thrive in the classroom.
3) Plan and Manage Instruction Based on Student Strengths
Focussing on each student's strengths will give an equilibrium to the classroom and the
lessons that are taught. An educator can plan lesson relates to subject material in order
to engage students to help motivate them into comprehending the material. For
instance, if an educator was going to teach a lesson about a historical figure, an
educator could relate that historical figure to a well known contemporary figure and show
how both behaviors and motives relate for those individuals. This will help the student
relate to the material and will give them a reference point on which to grasp concepts.
4) Plan Group Activities Based on Student Strengths
Each student carries his and her own strengths and weaknesses. When grouping up
individuals for a group assignment or project, it would be beneficial to the group final
product if the groups were segregated based on strengths. For example, a student who
may be great at listening can join an individual that is not as good at listening, but is a
great note taker. The great note taker can also be grouped with the student who doesnt
take notes well, but studies well for tests. The synergy of the group will create a final
product that is greater than the sum of its parts based on their strengths.
5) Reward Success
It is important to keep track of student progress and their strengths. An educator can
reward progress and monitor success through the logging of data. This will help create
an educational strength-based environment where a student's strengths are recognized
and rewarded for the utilization of those strengths.